7 February 2015

The long-lasting essentials

Whenever I have a date-night planned with the other half or friends, or an event to doll myself up for, there's certain products I always turn to which I know I can rely on to keep my makeup in place from morning to night.

Illamasqua Hydra Veil, 30ml £30, is my first go-to product when I want to ensure my skin and makeup is looking as flawless as can be. I'm now onto my second pot, but the first lasted over a year - which makes this one worth the investment for me. It's not a product I reach for every single day, but on days where I know my skin could do with a little pick-me-up. With a gel consistency that instantaneously rehydrates skin, it works to provide an instant smoothing effect to the skin, whilst rehydrating, calming and refreshing. I apply after moisturiser but before primers, plumping my skin perfectly and helping makeup apply with ease. You can read my full review and Hydra Veil know-how here.

Next up, primers! I have quite a selection of primers in my makeup stash but there's one brand that always stands out from the crowd for ensuring my makeup lasts all day. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is now available in two sizes - £8 for 6ml and £16 for 11ml. A cult and much-loved eyeshadow primer, it promises 24 hour crease free hold for any type of shadow, whether cream, powder or loose, and boy does it last! I've never had any issues with creasing or fading when using Primer Potion, and it's one of the few eyeshadow primers I would repurchase time and time again. You can check out my full review (and comparison against a budget-friendly alternative it's always compared to) here.

Another favourite for Urban Decay is my go-to face primer, in the form of the Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion, 28ml £19. Not only does this keep my makeup in place all day, but it works wonders to disguise pores and fine lines, but it also works amazingly well at creating a more even-toned complexion. It's slightly thicker in formula than most face primers in my stash, but it's the one I know I can always rely on for flawless, long-lasting makeup. You can check out my full review alongside a few other favourite primers in my 'Top Primers for Oily Skin' post.

My lashes are such a pain; lifeless and pointing downwards with little to no natural curl to them whatsoever. The only eyelash curlers I've ever found which not only manage to create a perfect, natural looking curl - but one that stays in place all day - is the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler, £19. Stainless steel with a curved rubber pad, they hold and curl all of my lashes in one go with ease. Absolute must-haves for me!

For a long-lasting liner that won't budge or smudge throughout the day, I adore the Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen in Carbon Black Extreme, £6. It has a super fine tip with a firm yet easy to manipulate applicator which makes applying liner an absolute breeze, and it's true black shade works well to make eyes pop. I also find this one of the easiest liquid liners for a variety of looks; everything from a simple precise line to the coveted cat-flick.

Of course, what look would be complete without a good setting powder? For it's slim compact with handy travel mirror, there's nothing I love more than the Soap & Glory Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder, £12. I've raved about this powder more than a few times; in my full review as well as a recent comparison post against the Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder (read here). A must-have finishing touch.

And what better way to keep your products for touching up on the go, than in the beautiful Sewlomax Red Lipstick Clutch Bag*? At just £15, it's a gorgeous clutch bag that'll stand out just as much as your flawless makeup look, the perfect size for all your essentials. Hand-embroidered, it is 29cm-13cm-1cm, with a black and red design alongside gold thread and hardware detailing. Beautiful, and perfect for any lipstick fans who want to make a statement with their look!

It's brilliant, isn't it? I must admit when I first picked it up I wasn't expecting all too much as I struggle to find good budget liquid liners, but it's easily one of the best I've ever used! I'll be repurchasing for years to come I'm sure :) xo

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them here. I try to respond to comments as quickly as possible, but if you have an urgent question feel free to tweet me @TattooedTealady!